Small Kitchen Islands

Small kitchen

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A small kitchen design doesn't have to result in a recipe for disorganization and too little counter space. In fact, the addition of a kitchen island can provide extra storage room and a place for food preparation, making the space more manageable.

Small Kitchen, Smart Design

Storage Galore

The open shelves above and narrow cabinets on each side of the refrigerator make great use of all the available storage space in this small kitchen design. Photo courtesy of Lowe's Creative Ideas

Photo By: Lowe's Creative Ideas

Going Glass

An easy way to visually expand a kitchen is to add glass. Upper glass front cabinets and pull-out pilasters for spices on each side of the range provide storage and add beauty to this smaller kitchen.

Waste Not

Every surface is utilized in this kitchen to maximize space, such as the wall-mounted knife rack and a magnetic message center on the end of a cabinet. Design by Rachael Franceschina; Photography by Betsy Maddox

Shelf Improvement

A combination of well-designed open and closed storage gives homeowners lots of options for keeping kitchen essentials close at hand. Photo courtesy of Lowe's Creative Ideas

Enhanced Range Design

In this 13x16 kitchen, the range was built into the cabinetry for a custom look and butcherblock countertops provide extra prep space. Photography by Charlotte Jenks Lewis

Gourmet Quality

To create a gourmet kitchen in a 68-square-foot space, Designer Karen Needler installed a compact, pro-quality range and stove. Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry takes advantage of the height and provides plenty of storage for culinary essentials.

From: Karen Needler

Double Duty

When designing the kitchen layout for a small space, it is important to thoroughly consider the size of the space you will be working with in order to find a kitchen island that will be efficient. Decide on where you will be placing the kitchen island and how tall you would like for it to be.

Home goods stores are ideal for choosing ready-made kitchen islands, like a butcher's cart, that will easily fit into a small kitchen space. But repurposed items, like a small desk, bookshelf, dining table or crates can also make an interesting, unique kitchen island. Simply choose the item with which you will be working and top it off with your desired surface, like a stainless steel countertop. Bookshelves or openings in crates can be used for storing kitchen items, like appliances and cookbooks.

Depending on available space, you may have room for a kitchen island with seating by squeezing in a stool or two on one side. If you only have room for one, then consider purchasing a seat that can be easily moved when you need to use the island for other purposes.

Energize your small kitchen with a coat of fresh paint to the walls and cabinets, and consider soft neutrals or bold color combinations that will make your space seem larger and reflect your design style.